After arguably the best campaign in program history, the East Haven softball team is ready to push its recent successes one step further behind a healthy crop of returning starters that is now one year wiser when it comes to harvesting clutch plays in the postseason.

East Haven returns to the field after a 2022 campaign that will go down in program history as one of the best. The Easties finished with an overall record of 23-3, highlighted by an 18-2 regular season. East Haven won the SCC Oronoque title with a divisional record of 8-0, claimed its first SCC championship in program history, and then advanced to the quarterfinal round of the Class L State Tournament on its way to setting school records for the most victories and best winning percentage (.885) in a season.

Head Coach Ed Crisafi and East Haven entered the SCC Tournament as the No. 1 seed and defeated Shelton (2-0) and West Haven (9-1) to advance to a matchup against Law in the final. On May 25, the Yellowjackets claimed a 6-1 victory over Law at West Haven High School to win the conference title for the first time.

Following SCCs, East Haven participated in the Class L State Tournament as the

No. 4 seed. The Yellowjackets earned wins versus Bethel (12-1) and Torrington (9-2) before taking a 9-7 loss versus Bristol Eastern in the quarterfinals in eight innings.

Crisafi noted that while the girls still have those same targets at the top of their collective minds this spring, he added that another crucial component of the club’s success this year will come from within through the special bonding moments between games.

“Our No. 1 goal is to win our division, No. 2 is to go as far as we can in SCCs, and then

No. 3 is to go as far as we can in the state tournament,” said Crisafi. “Those are always our three main goals each season for East Haven softball. Off the field, we want the girls to be a family, and these girls are tight. We had a preseason pasta party, and we expect them to do what they are supposed to do as good teammates in cheering each other on.”

East Haven’s lone four seniors will serve as squad captains throughout the spring in second baseman/pitcher Lily Gagnon as the pitching staff’s No. 1 starter, left fielder Arielle Dupree, Gianna Bernovich manning first base, and Autumn Clancy at third–as all four additionally bring back a great added layer of postseason experience as 2022 starters.

“This is the second year for each of them as starters,” Coach Crisafi said. “But they have been involved in the program all four years, so they know what to expect. They are all great leaders; it is like having four other coaches on the field. They also help the younger kids, and they know how East Haven softball does it.”

Additional key starters within the underclassmen ranks will figure to be a sophomore tandem in Lexi Heaphy at shortstop and Gianna Santoro in the outfield, plus junior Gianna Fowler as a backstop at catcher. The two sophomores come off of rousing rookie runs in 2022, where each tallied 29 base hits apiece.

“They are two nice little players who know how to play the game,” Crisafi said. “Gianna will also be our starting catcher. We have seven starters back, but the three we lost were tough ones with three All-SCC players. The girls will have to step up, but I have no doubt we will be in every game, and I expect big things from them.”

East Haven will get the chance to do those anticipated big things in a loaded SCC schedule that includes competing in the SCC Hammonasset Division with North Haven, Shelton, Hamden, and Mercy, plus six conference crossover games via playing Amity, Cheshire, and Law twice apiece.

“We also have our typical two games out of conference with North Branford,” said Coach Crisafi. “We also see Branford twice for our rivalry games. There also is a SCC/FCIAC Challenge this year, and we drew Trumbull at home, which is not an easy draw. It is tough, but it is what you get when you have a good record over the course of the last five or six years.”

Crisafi is assisted in the dugout this spring by assistant coaches Jeff Crisafi, Matt Coyle, Jenna Gaudioso, Erika D’Amore, and Talia Loda. Holding a deep and dedicated coaching staff alongside girls that house a great pride and passion for the program, it is a no-brainer for Crisafi to keep coming back for more.

“I am getting a lot from my assistant coaching staff,” said Crisafi. “I divide out a lot and give them a lot, but I am lucky with the assistant coaches and players we have. I am looking forward to the season. I am 71 years old and in my 29th season. When I stop getting excited about the seasons, then it is time to go.”

The 2023 East Haven roster is comprised of seniors Lily Gagnon, Arielle Dupree, Gianna Bernovich, Autumn Clancy; juniors of Miranda Consiglio, Gabyella Vedder, Gianna Fowler, Kelsey Murray, Mikayla Pacheco, Abigail Christman; sophomores with Gianna Santoro, Lexi Heaphy; and finally freshmen Eve Backhaus, Gianna Dilapi, Ella Angelo, Faith Pellegrio, Adrianna Burdick, and Jennifer D’Agostino.

2023 East Haven Softball Team Regular Season Schedule

Monday, April 3: vs. Branford at 4 p.m.

Tuesday, April 4: vs. Trumbull at 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 5: at Mercy at 4 p.m.

Monday, April 10: vs. Hamden at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 12: vs. Amity at 4 p.m.

Friday, April 14: vs. North Haven at 4 p.m.

Monday, April 17: vs. Cheshire at 4:15 p.m.

Wednesday, April 19: at Law at 4 p.m.

Friday, April 21: at Shelton at 4:30 p.m.

Monday, April 24: at Hand at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 26: at Branford at 4:15 p.m.

Thursday, April 27: vs. Mercy at 4 p.m.

Monday, May 1: at Hamden at 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, May 3: at Amity at 4 p.m.

Friday, May 5: at North Haven at North Haven Athletic Complex at 7 p.m.

Monday, May 8: at Cheshire at 4:15 p.m.

Wednesday, May 10: vs. Law at 4 p.m.

Monday, May 15: vs. Shelton at 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 16: at North Branford at 6 p.m.